Lois Renz

Lois Ivy Renz, late of Weyburn, SK passed away October 24, 2017 at the age of 92 years. Lois was predeceased by her husband William Alexander Renz; mother Grace Agnes Switzer (nee: Argue); father Ivan Thomas Obadiah Switzer; sister Ellen Switzer; sisters-in-law: Anne Allen, Bertha Renz, Phyllis Renz; brothers-in-law: James Renz, George Renz, Stewart Renz, and Bruce Allen. Lois is survived by her children: Mervyle (Kelly) Renz, Dale (Rhonda) Renz and family Melissa (Tyrel Hansen) [Eli, Ryan, Reese, Benjamin], Dallen (Dean Hodgkin) [Cali], Lindsey (Brett Tuchscherer) [Chloe, Bree]; brothers: Gordon (Mary) Switzer, Merv (Mary) Switzer; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. Lois (Switzer) Renz was born in Grenfell, SK on August 20, 1925 to Grace and Ivan Switzer. She was the eldest child joined one and half years later by a sister Ellen and then two brothers Gordon and Merv. Lois thanked the Lord for her Christian parents and her “praying grandmother.” Lois grew up quickly doing chores, milking cows, feeding the horses and harvesting crops from the very early age of 6 or 7. The family would conduct their daily prayers and travel the five miles to Grenfell by horse for Sunday church services. If weather did not permit, they would listen to Bible lessons with Canadian SS on the air on radio. If there was any free time Lois could be found playing the piano. Her talent and love for music allowed her to play in church, for choirs and later in life she looked forward to playing for her many visits to the Care Homes, Tatagwa, Bible study or anytime anyone would ask. She learned to play guitar but the piano and organ were her favorites. Lois graduated high school in Grenfell. During the war there was a shortage for teachers so Lois headed for Teachers Normal School for an 8 week course. Lois was a caring, patient and understanding teacher. Lois’s first visit to Trossachs Gospel Camp was in 1942. Trossachs camp meant so much to Lois because of the gospel teachings, experiences with the Lord and the many friendships she started. One special friend became her husband. Bill had been involved in camp since 1932. Bill and Lois married in October of 1946 and homesteaded 30 miles west of Weyburn, close to Khedive. Both Bill and Lois were very committed to Trossachs Camp, from work-bees to cleaning, painting, the bookkeepers, making bank deposits, working in the camp kitchen and cleaning and winterizing the camp. There was no job too big or too small. They always looked forward to working with their camp friends. In 1947 Mervyle Stuart was born and in 1954 Dale Cameron was born to complete the family. Lois continued to teach school in Khedive and later in Pangman for a total of approximately 30 years. Lois’ days were long as she often planted gardens that were “far too big” but she worked tirelessly to water, weed and harvest her crops. Neighbors would stop by often to see if Lois had any strawberries, corn or potatoes. In 1976, Lois’s mother Grace passed after a lengthy battle with cancer. Lois retired from teaching in June 1980. Ivan, her father passed away that same month. Lois’s faith gave her strength during these losses. Then, while Camp was on in June of 1983 her husband of 37 and a half years was taken by angels. Lois remained strong with the support of friends and family and she soon returned to her camp duties. Lois moved from the farm into an apartment in Weyburn that fall. Then in May of 1985 her sister Ellen passed away. The words “determined” and “committed” come to mind when we think of Lois’s strong character. She influenced and encouraged so many students, friends and family. Since moving to Weyburn, Lois made many friends from her singing groups, Women’s Aglow and church. With teaching, gardening and working at camp there was never a lot of time to travel. In retirement, Lois was able to make many exciting trips to Alaska, Northern Africa, California and three trips to Israel. Lois was blessed with two wonderful daughters-in-law and three wonderful granddaughters who when growing up she often would baby sit, take shopping, have sing alongs and just enjoy. As seven great-grandchildren came along she was so loving and proud to hold them. Lois stayed in her first apartment for 20 years. She then enjoyed her years at Isabelle Butters block and Liberty Manor. Her last two years were spent in the loving care of the staff at 5th street nursing home. Lois passed away peacefully October 24, 2017. We will miss our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. God be with you. A Viewing for Lois was held Monday, November 6, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.to 8:00 p.m. from RD Family Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, SK. A Celebration of Life was held Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. from RD Family Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, SK with Reverend Merv Switzer officiating. Active Pallbearers were: Tyrel Hansen, Dean Hodgkin, Brett Tuchscherer, Doug Bernard, Terry Webb, and Beryl Gibbs. Honorary Pallbearers were: Rheatha Pritchard, Joyce Cantin, Inge Scholz, Ruth Pierce, Edith Bernard and Isabelle Butters. Lunch was held at the Knox Fellowship Hall, Weyburn, SK. Interment followed at Pangman Cemetery, Pangman, SK. For family and friends so wishing, charitable donations in memory of Lois may be made to the Regina General Hospital NICU, 1440 14th Ave. Regina, SK, S4P 0W5 or the Weyburn & District Hospital Foundation, Box 1416, Weyburn, SK, S4H 3J9. Arrangements were entrusted to RD Family Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Weyburn, SK (848-0333 ~ 1-888-848-0333). Expressions of sympathy to the family may be sent to our website at www.rdfamilymemorialchapel.com “Celebrating Life, One Family At A Time”